The Goizueta Foundation, founded by Cuban-American and Yale graduate Roberto C. Goizueta back in 1992, granted the YMCA USA $5.8 million to increase “early learning and afterschool programs for Hispanic and Latino families, with a focus on those from underserved communities.” The foundation “aims to support educational programs that promote sustainable change and have a long-term impact in the community. Its mission is to assist organizations that empower individuals and families through educational opportunities to improve the quality of their lives”.

This grant comes after the Goizueta Foundation funded a YMCA’s research program that targets Latino families that found that:

Hispanic/Latino families often place a strong importance on family members supporting one another and have a cultural tendency to keep young children at home, rather than place them in a traditional child care setting.

Often, Hispanic/Latino families distinguish between the role of the parent (to provide moral upbringing) and the role of the teacher (to provide an academic education). As a result, some Hispanic/Latino parents are unaware that children are expected to have so many school-readiness skills upon entering kindergarten and first grade.

Newer immigrants are less likely to have a trusted person with whom to leave their children and are often limited in their choice of informal home-care providers.

This is the second time that the YMCA receives such grant from the Goizueta Foundation for fostering community outreach. Back in 2007, the Y received $2.7 million for another pilot program called Welcoming Hispanic Families into YMCA Early Childhood Education and Care at five Y program sites in Georgia.

The Goizueta Foundation is an example of how a successful businessman did not forget his roots and origins. The late Mr. Roberto Goizueta exemplary selflessness inspires us all to give back and never stop. Our community needs it desperately in the wake of so many budget cuts affecting early childhood programs across America. Our hearts are filled with joy knowing that thousands of Hispanic/Latino families that really need the assistance will have where to turn to for help.

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